A frenzy of festive spirit as producers keep giving (apprenticeships in Berlin)… and giving (production tips)… and giving (free tracks).
“The beat is hittin’ and G-funked up,” said Dâm-Funk… “This on some ‘Computer Love,” Zapp & Roger-type shit’,” Snoop replied. Ahead of the release of their 7 Days of Funk album, forthcoming on Stones Throw, XLR8R asked each of the partners in funk to pick five favourite tracks produced by the other.
Levon Vincent seeks protégés. The East Coast house don is offering to financially support an apprentice in Berlin. “Basically I want to facilitate your 24/7 music making. And your partying, too. As long as that’s musical.” The Facebook announcement was met with unanimous jubilation, restored faith in the music industry and mega props to Levon.
…and Stimming releases an advent calendar of wisdom. Over on his Facebook page the Hamburg producer is giving away a solution to a production predicament for each day in December. Joy to the world.
“It’s called cutting shapes, otherwise known as shuffling. For some it’s a way of life.” In a short film for Channel 4 Boya Dee traces the early days of house at Hacienda and its influence on the Moss Side dancing scene, speaking to Greg Wilson and founding members of the shuffling Foot Patrol. Witness their moves below.
Dubspot talks to Andy C. The New York music school chatted with the RAM Records boss about influences, inspiration, jungle and drum and bass at this year’s Movement Festival.
Spotify opt for transparency to win back artist support. Much-criticised by musicians including Thom Yorke and David Byrne, the streaming service has launched a new Spotify Artist website which explains their business model, what percentages they pay back to the music industry and how their growth will affect artists’ revenue.
“Records are artefacts that remind you of things or people.” Hessle Audio selector Ben UFO peruses his collection to pluck a characteristically eclectic batch of favourites. The Hessle Audio crew host a takeover of all three rooms at Fabric tonight. Tickets and more info here.
Better than chocolate. Scottish label Lucky Me’s annual advent calendar returns as they dish out new tracks, unreleased edits, demos and rarities in a bout of festive generosity. Skip over to their website to download your pressie each day in December.
KiwiTechnics announce new modular for the Roland Juno 106. The kit offers a complete replacement for the main CPU board, which adds a second envelope, two more LFOs and a sequencer/arpeggiator. Order direct from KiwiTechnics ($395 + shipping), more info on its extensive functionality here.
New Burial EP due on Hyperdub in December. The London boy’s first release in more than a year will drop on December 16th.
“If that dirt ain’t there, it hasn’t got the soul.” Jay Daniel and FunkinEven hang out. In this interview for RBMA, the pair discuss raw production styles, one-take records and the exuberance of Kyle Hall.
Oliver Cheatham dies aged 65. The Detroit-born R&B singer behind the classic boogie track ‘Get Down Saturday Night’ left a considerable footprint in dance music, and was famously sampled in Daft Punk’s 2001 track ‘Voyager’.
Spinning from the cloud. Partycloud allows you to DJ using tracks from SoundCloud. The web app offers a clean user interface, ability to change BPM and turn the mid and bass up and down, plus basic looping and effects. You can also share mixes with other users, set up live streams and talk directly to a Facebook wall. Cue the new generation of house party superstar DJs. Check it out here.
And finally, are you jealous of all the rave couples that you find on Instagram? Fear not, someone’s found a solution. Peace Love Unity Respect.